Community Impact

Land Preservation is an intensive process that makes a HUGE impact on our environment, but the process from beginning to end can take years to complete. The South Jersey Land & Water Trust carries out many other projects throughout the year that can have just as much impact on our environment, communities, and the people and animals that inhabit them.

Habitat Protection– One of SJLWT’s current projects involves protecting populations of Swamp Pink, which is a species of lily that has become endangered due to habitat loss and the fact that it becomes “deer salad” in the winter. Nearly 75% of the world’s remaining Swamp Pink populations occur in South Jersey, so it is very important to protect this species while we still can. To prevent deer from browsing, SJLWT and volunteers have constructed fences and cages around the plants in two South Jersey locations.

Cleanups– Every month, SJLWT conducts at least one cleanup in a park, preserved open space, or waterway throughout South Jersey. These cleanups are open for any individual, family, or civic group to volunteer, and are often followed by a Nature Walk or macroinvertebrate assessment. Gloves, trash bags and trash grabbers are provided. Cleanups are always free events, and are open to children under 16 as long as a parent accompanies them. See our List of Events for the next scheduled cleanup.

Walks in the Woods– Every month, SJLWT’s Program Coordinator, Michael Hogan, leads a guided Nature Walk at a park, preserve, or noteworthy place in South Jersey. We have walked at such places at Batsto, Matt’s Landing on the Delaware Bay, Chestnut Branch Park, and SJLWT’s Oldman’s Creek Preserve, to name a few. Walks are free for SJLWT members. See our List of Events for the next Walk in the Woods.

Macroinvertebrate Assessments-SJLWT works to train individuals to conduct macroinvertebrate or “MI” assessments on many waterways and bodies of water throughout South Jersey. Macroinvertebrates are the tiny, visible “bugs” that live in water, and they are categorized by their level of pollution tolerance. By determining the number of “bugs” within each level, the health of the waterway can be determined. For instance, if there are many pollution-intolerant species present, the waterway can be deemed fairly healthy.

Advocacy– As a non-profit, SJLWT can be impacted greatly by municipal, state, and federal regulations. Because of this, SJLWT often advocates for legislature that is beneficial to the natural environment, and against legislature that is detrimental to it. Most recently, the Trust has advocated for Wharton State Forest’s Motorized Access Plan, or MAP. This plan would significantly reduce the irreparable vernal pool and protected habitat damage caused by illegal off-road vehicle use. You can learn more about the Wharton MAP and how you can help by visiting our friends at Pinelands Preservation Alliance.

Education- Frequently, an SJLWT staff member will give a classroom or workplace presentation on a variety of subjects, including watershed education, vernal pool identification, habitat protection, threatened species conservation, and overall environmental stewardship. If you are interested in such a presentation for your classroom or workplace, please contact the Trust’s Executive Director Christine Nolan, at 856-881-2269.

Restoration– Over time, stream banks can become damaged, unsightly, and even dangerous. SJLWT worked to restore one such bank at Wilson Lake Park that had been overrun by geese and their waste. By planting native plants, fencing off the restoration area, and allowing the new plant growth to take over, the lake shore was restored. Plant roots help stabilize the soil, thus reducing the rate of erosion and improving the appearance and sturdiness of the bank. The photograph shows the final result of the Wilson Lake restoration project.

Rain Gardens– When funding is available, SJLWT has constructed rain gardens at schools, municipal buildings, and office spaces. These gardens typically consist of a depression in the ground which gets filled with native plants. These plants will filter the water and recharge underground aquifers. Instead of allowing the water to enter the municipal water system as runoff, recharging aquifers helps to ease the burden on municipal water services, especially as population density increases and a heavier strain is placed on all municipal services.

Vernal Pool Surveys– SJLWT has worked with NJDEP Endangered and Nongame Species Program to offer Vernal Pool trainings to volunteers. These trainings help equip volunteers with the knowledge to identify vernal pools, which are seasonal pools that provide important springtime habitat for many species of frogs and other wildlife.

Storm Drain Labeling– In the past, SJLWT has organized volunteers to label storm drains and distribute information about watershed health. Storm drains were labeled with reminders to avoid dumping pollutants down the drains, since all the water and the pollutants move to the nearest local waterway.

Time

(Saturday) 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location

Timber Creek Park

Event Details

On our walk in Timber Creek Park, we’ll see and learn about many different habitats and species. We’ll amble along

Event Details

On our walk in Timber Creek Park, we’ll see and learn about many different habitats and species. We’ll amble along the creek that flows through a wide valley and keep an eye out for the large beaver dam that’s been built there. We’ll also see tidal wetlands where we may see wintering waterfowl, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks. And we’ll wander through the hardwood forests and keep our eyes peeled for wintering songbirds that have found a home in the park. Join us as we explore this natural wonderland and learn about these animals and the areas that they’ve called home! The trail may be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and dress warm, it may be windy at this open location. Bring your camera and binoculars.Date: Saturday, January 26th
Time: 10:00am
Location: Timber Creek Park; 236 Taylor Ave & Chews Landing Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Directions:

Take Route 168 north, turn right onto Chews Landing Road.

Turn left into Timber Creek Park approx. 3/10ths of a mile from Rt. 168

Free for SJLWT members. $3 a person for non SJLWT members Please RSVP: Contact Michael Hogan at hoganphoto@verizon.net or 609-476-2086 to RSVP and/or if you have any questions

Time

Location

Event Details

Join us for an afternoon of live music, food, and prizes!
At our annual Groovin on a Sunday Afternoon fundraising event, we'll enjoy hits of the 60s and 70s

Event Details

Join us for an afternoon of live music, food, and prizes!
At our annual Groovin on a Sunday Afternoon fundraising event, we'll enjoy hits of the 60s and 70s courtesy of South Jersey band, Love Alive. The concert will take place at Bogey's Club and Cafe where a light lunch will be served. There will also be some fabulous chance baskets and a 50-50 as well as a cash bar, $5 appetizers, and plenty of room for dancing!
Please note that the bar is cash only! No debit or credit cards will be acceptedGroovin' on a Sunday AfternoonDate: Sunday, January 27th, 2019
Time: 1pm-4pm
Location:
Bogey's Club and Cafe at the Pitman Golf Course
501 Pitman Rd
Sewell, NJ 08080